If Software, Then Space

Humanity’s activities in space have changed how we understand our place in the Universe, and have become essential to life as we know it. Space science - from astronomy to planetary science - have provided new understandings of how we and our planet fit into the cosmic puzzle. Space services - from GPS to communications, and from imaging to scientific measurements - have become invaluable to our everyday lives, from daily navigation to weather prediction, and much, much, more. From the very beginning of humanity’s space history, digital computing has played a vital, enabling role. The importance of computing to space history even compares to that of rocketry. Once the exclusive domain of nation-states, space activities are increasingly pursued by private firms. From launch services to satellite fleets and commercial tourism, computing remains absolutely vital to these pursuits.

As the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing approaches, the Museum is delighted to present a distinguished panel to provide insights and perspectives on the place of computing in space history: Dan Lickly, who played key roles in the development of the software for the Apollo Guidance Computer;; Matthew Shindell, historian of science and a Space History curator at the National Air and Space Museum; and Charles Simonyi, legendary programmer, Microsoft executive, and two-time space tourist.